Penrith winger Brian To’o has claimed the prestigious Brad Fittler Medal at a glittering ceremony in Sydney last night.
To’o was honoured for a standout State of Origin series where the Blues winger averaged more than 200 running metres per match.
The medal was presented by Blues coach Brad Fittler at The Star Event Centre in front of more than 500 guests on a night where 20 awards were announced for Representative Competitions, Major Competitions, Junior Representative Competitions and community.
To’o has represented NSW nine times since making his debut in 2021 and played a key role in the Game Three win in Sydney this year. He ran for 258m, including 102 post-contact, had a line break, an offload two tackle busts and scored the opening try of the game.
His Penrith teammate Liam Martin won the True Blue Award.
Martin overcame injury to play all three games in this year’s series, including a well-worked try in Game One in Adelaide.
“Brian epitomises the attributes of a NSW Blues player as he always gives his all whenever he pulls on the jersey,” Fittler said.
“He is a hard worker at training and on the field, and brings a great energy to camp that other players enjoy being around.
“Liam brings plenty of natural aggression to the team and I can always count on him to do a job for me, while Cody showed just how dangerous he can be after being recalled for Game Three.
“I congratulate all the winners from the State of Origin series, as well as all the winners who have been recognised across our competitions and community for the wonderful seasons they’ve had and the contributions they’ve made.”
BRAD FITTLER MEDAL FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Brad Fittler Medal: Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)
True Blue Award: Liam Martin (Penrith Partners)
The Daily Telegraph People’s Choice Award: Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
NSW Women’s State of Origin Player of the Year: Emma Tonegato (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Sky Blues Award: Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
NSW Under 19s State of Origin Player of the Match: Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
NSW Under 19s Women’s State of Origin Player of the Match: Chelsea Makira (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Player of the Year: Dean Hawkins (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year: Holli Wheeler (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year: Max McCathie (Sydney Roosters)
Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup Player of the Year: Jake Butfield (St Marys Saints)
Sydney Shield Player of the Year: Ryan Joynes (Ryde-Eastwood Hawks)
Men’s Country Championship Player of the Year: Chad O’Donnell (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights)
Women’s Country Championship Player of the Year: Krystal Blackwell (Monaro Colts)
Tom Nelson Medal for SLE Laurie Daley Cup Player of the Year: Xavier Cacciotti (Monaro Colts)
Ron Lanesbury Medal for SLE Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Year: Jack Talbott (South Coast Illawarra Dragons)
Grade Referee of the Year: Damian Brady
Junior Representative Referee of the Year: Brayden Hunt
Ray Stellar Club Person of the Year: Ian Boardman (Hills Bulls)
Gordon Lowrie Memorial Community Volunteer of the Year Award: Christopher Hollis (Taree Red Rovers JRLC)
